World Cup 2010: 11 musicians who should be footballers

Forget Capello's starting 11, this is MusicRadar FC

Music's starting XI

With the news that England chief Fabio Capello has already chosen his squad (yes, even the goalkeeper) ahead of tomorrow's (Sat 12 June) first England World Cup 2010 game against the USA - and just as host nation South Africa kick-off the opening match against Mexico today - what better way is there to embrace World Cup fever than by revisiting MusicRadar FC: the rockstar 4-4-2 that could have been.

First selected in celebration of the beginning of the Premiership last summer, MusicRadar's starting 11 represents the biggest fans and best players in music. Some got through on sheer talent and experience. Others made the cut by virtue of going that extra mile as a supporter. Regardless, when they’re not making music, all 11 are or were in love with the Beautiful Game.

So imagine, if you will, a rockstar team kitted out in tiny white shorts, aviators and beards as modelled by our friends Pink Floyd above - and meet MusicRadar’s starting XI!

Centre-back

Rod makes the cut not just because his garden is a football pitch, or the fact that he still kicks a ball into the crowd during every gig, but because in 1961 he played for Brentford FC.

Here’s one description of his short footy career. "His playing effectiveness at centre-half was hindered by his slight build - five feet 11inches (1.8m) but nine stone (130lb; 57kg) - and he pushed himself so much that he sometimes vomited at the side of the pitch.”

Right midfield

We almost picked Noel Gallagher thanks to the Supernova guitar made by Epiphone in his honour.

Available in a Union Jack paint job, cherry red, ebony black and, of course, Manchester City blue. Unfortunately, no one’s ever seen him even pick up the sky blue version so he’s out in favour of his brother.

See how Liam effortlessly misses the ball in favour of arch nemesis Damon Albarn’s knee? Beautiful.

Striker

Peter Doherty is a massive QPR fan, but went beyond the pale of the average supporter by writing his own fanzine called All Quiet On The Western Avenue which he sold outside the club on matchdays. Hoops fans never really ‘got’ his poetry, though.